Black Lightning Villain Promoted to Series Regular for Season 2 - Comic-Con 2018

It's nice to meet you, Painkiller.

By Jessie Wade

The CW's Black Lightning has moved up Jordan Calloway from his recurring role as Khalil Payne to a series regular for season 2, according to The Wrap.

Director Salim Akil announced the news during the show’s panel at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday. Calloway will take over fully as his DC Comics alter-ego villain, Painkiller in season 2.

“I’m thrilled to have Jordan upped as a series regular," Akil said. "He was a great asset to our show in the role of Khalil/Painkiller during season one, and now that he has evolved into Painkiller, I can’t wait for you all to see him in Season 2."

During the first season of the superhero drama, Calloway was in a recurring role as Khalil Payne, an all-American high school track star until a stray bullet severed his spine. After cybernetic enhancements, the end of the season shows his transformation into the DC Comics villain.

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Jessie Wade is a news writer at IGN. Follow her on Twitter @jessieannwade.